The Core
September 30, 2022, Volume 14, Issue 7
Notes from the Principal
Hello Parents and Guardians,
We got lucky today with decent weather for Picture Day, cool and crisp. It's been a wet week but we still got outdoor time in - sorry about the mud but students need to get outdoor time in.
We also had our second All-School Meeting today and we were really impressed with the audience's (students') behavior. They would occasionally get a little amped up but were all supportive throughout the 30-minute meeting (it's a huge group too). Check out the photos below of the presentation and all of us disco dancing!
Next Week - Fun Run next Friday! It's really a terrific time at school, we hope you can join us to cheer our runners on. It's also our major fundraiser of the year and we appreciate any donation you can make to our PTO.
Also next week - our second Early Release Day. As mentioned last week, it seems surprising to have two in October, especially right after one in September but it's just the way they are spaced out throughout the year.
Finally, it's really positive to start seeing students getting together for play dates after school. Unfortunately, our busses are packed and we are unable at this time to accommodate extra students riding on different routes. Hopefully, we will get there someday but we just do not have that capacity at this time. Thank you for understanding.
Check out the "School Services Letter" written by our School Counselors, it is very helpful information for parents.
Have a terrific weekend; take some time each day to read with your child.
Mark T & Olivia K
Fun Run Schedule
Next Friday is Orchard School's 5th Annual Fun Run!
This is our major fundraiser (see PTO article below) but our themes for the run are to support and celebrate each other's accomplishments and to work to meet our own goals (through running and walking).
Here is our schedule for next Friday -
9:00 Zoom Morning Meeting to organize the run and pump our runners!
9:20 Kindergarten Run Start (1 lap)
9:30 Grade 1 Run Start (1 lap)
9:40 Grade 2 Run Start (2 laps)
9:55 Grade 3 Run Start (2 laps)
10:10 Grade 4 Run Start (3 laps)
10:25 Grade 5 Run Start (3 laps)
Parents - we can join us to cheer on our runners - don't forget your horns & cowbells!
Please note: Parking will be problematic. We are sending you positive thoughts to find a way to join us. No dogs, please.
Photos from Today's All-School Meeting
And Disco Dancing!

The Fun Run is Coming!
The fun run is next Friday October 7th! One week to go to get those run sponsorships in to your classroom teachers. Or if online is easier, here is the link: https://bit.ly/3RtMmny
Thank you to our 2022 Fun Run Corporate Sponsors!
We look forward to seeing you next Friday!
PTO News
Are you looking to strengthen our school community? Join the PTO as a member or volunteer - reach out to orchardschoolvt@gmail.com for more information.
International Night This November - Seeking Parent Coordinators
The PTO is thrilled to bring back International Night. Held in November every other year, International Night is a chance for Orchard families to come together to celebrate our diverse and special community. Students and their families are encouraged to put together a country display based on their heritage or a favorite place they have traveled to or learned about. Children are then invited to pick up a passport that they fill with stamps from the tables they visit.
The Orchard School community is extremely proud of the many cultures represented among their families. International Night creates the opportunity to come together to celebrate a variety of rich backgrounds and interests and, in the process, learn from one another.
Families are invited to register a table or simply attend. Some families bring food or an activity, others just bring items from a country. Check out some pictures of our last International Night held in 2019!
We are seeking parent coordinators to help organize our participating families. If you are interested, please reach out to us at orchardschoolvt@gmail.com with ‘International Night Coordinator’ in your subject line.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
School Play - Seeking 4th & 5th Grade Parent Producers
4th & 5th-grade parents: the play cannot happen without parent support! We are seeking Parent Producers to help coordinate. Reach out to orchardschoolvt@gmail.com with ‘Parent Producer’ in your subject line if you are willing to help organize and coordinate this year.
October PTO Meeting
Save the date for Wednesday, October 19th at 6:30. We will meet in the art room at Orchard to continue to discuss and plan upcoming activities. Your input is appreciated!
2nd Grade Hike Day!

News from Our Medical Team
INFLUENZA
- Most of the time flu activity peaks between December and February.
- Flu vaccine can keep you from getting sick with flu.
- All persons aged 6 months of age and older are recommended for annual flu vaccination, with rare exception.
- See who should and who should not get a flu shot HERE. For more general flu vaccine information, look HERE.
IMMUNIZATION CLINIC - BURLINGTON
- New to the area? Still catching up on vaccinations (for your child or you)?
- Make an appointment at the Burlington Immunization Clinic. Call to learn more and schedule: # 802-951-0076
- The Vermont Department of Health provides vaccinations at no charge for those who are under 65 years old and who meet the following criteria:
*Uninsured, or*A patient of a medical practice that cannot receive vaccine from the Vermont Vaccines for Children & Adults program
NEXT CLINIC: MONDAY: OCTOBER 2, 2022 FROM 1:00PM TO 3:00PM
Be well,
Kara Cassani &
Sarah Pineda, School Nurses

Mini Metro Basketball
Mini Metro is a competitive club basketball program for players in grades 5-8. Games are played indoors every Sunday along with typically 2-3 practices each week. South Burlington is organizing both girls and boys teams at the 5-6th and 7-8th grade levels for the upcoming season, which is expected to start in late-October.
Details are still being developed by those coordinating the league, but we're reaching out to collect contact info for interested players at all levels. The registration form can be found here: Mini Metro Registration Form. Please complete by Friday, 10/7 as we're anticipating a tryout date the weekend of October 15-16.